[Odonata-l] observation methods for Odonata behavior study

[Claire Curry]

Hello all,

My name is Claire Curry; I am doing an undergraduate honors thesis at the University of North Texas on behavior of adult odonates.  I'm planning to see if there are changes in space use and aggressive interactions at ponds of varying sizes over the course of the season; the ponds will probably dry up and change size too.  Currently I am deciding on my methods.  Right now, I'm considering using a grid system similar to that in Rehfeldt & Hadrys (1988) and McMillan (2000); counting or doing mark-recapture to map the spatial distribution of all species at each pond; and counting the aggressive and threat interactions (Lutz & Pittman 1970; Michiels & Dhondt 1987).  If you've used anything similar to these studies, I would greatly appreciate information, both positive and negative, on how they worked for you and any problems you have encountered.  Please reply privately to me and I will post a summary of responses.

References:
Lutz, P.E. & Pittman, A.R.  (1970)  Some ecological factors influencing a community of adult Odonata.  Ecology, 51, 279-284.

McMillan, V.E. (2000) Aggregating behavior during oviposition in the dragonfly Sympetrum vicinum (Hagen) (Odonata: Libellulidae). American Midland Naturalist, 144, 11-18.

Michiels, N.K. & Dhondt, A.A.  (1987)  Coexistence of three Sympetrum species at Den Diel, Mol, Belgium (Anisoptera: Libellulidae). Odonatologica, 16, 347-360.

Rehfeldt, G.E. & Hadrys, H. (1988) Interspecific competition in sympatric Sympetrum sanguineum (Müller) and S. flaveolum (L.) (Anisoptera: Libellulidae). Odonatologica, 17, 213-225.


Thank you!

Sincerely,

Claire Curry
larksparrow at eeclaire.com
Greenwood, Wise County, Texas
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